If you don't already have graphics software, explore your options with About.com Graphics Software Guide Sue Chastain. Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements are popular image editing programs.
- Quality - Start with the best quality original photos or scans that you can.
- Black & White - For most desktop-published family histories color printing is too expensive. Since only recent photos are in color, scan and convert any color photos to grayscale. If you do want to include color and you're having your book commerically printed (including quick printers) ask them for tips on cutting costs. Sometimes grouping all the color photos in one section can cut down on the overall printing costs.
- Image Enhancements - Enhance scans of older photographs with image-editing software. You can repair tears, remove scratches, and improve the contrast with most graphics software, including many entry-level programs. Graphics Software Guide Sue Chastain has quick fixes as well as more complex graphics manipulation tutorials.
